I've had similar experiences with cattails—beautiful plants, but definitely a handful if left unchecked. I remember a client who initially loved the natural look they provided around her small swimming pond, but within a year she was overwhelmed by how aggressively they'd spread. We ended up swapping them out for some dwarf rushes and sedges, which gave a similar aesthetic without the constant battle to keep them contained.
One thing I've noticed is that plant selection isn't just about filtration efficiency or aesthetics; it's also about how much time you're willing to spend on upkeep. Some fast growers like hornwort are fantastic for water clarity, but they can quickly become a chore if you're not prepared to prune regularly. On the other hand, slower-growing plants might mean less maintenance, but you might need more of them to achieve the same filtration effect.
I'm curious if anyone has experimented with submerged versus floating plants in their setups. In my experience, floating plants like water lettuce or duckweed can be great at nutrient absorption, but they can also shade out submerged plants pretty quickly. Has anyone found a good balance between submerged and floating species that keeps maintenance manageable while still providing clear water?
"floating plants like water lettuce or duckweed can be great at nutrient absorption, but they can also shade out submerged plants pretty quickly."
Yeah, duckweed is a nightmare once it gets going... I spent half a summer scooping it out after it took over my pond. I've had better luck with water hyacinth—still aggressive, but easier to manage. Curious though, has anyone tried combining submerged plants like anacharis with floating ones? Wondering if that helps balance things out or just creates more headaches.
